An annual wellness exam can feel routine, especially when your pet seems perfectly healthy. But that visit is one of the best opportunities you have to catch problems early, set a baseline for what is normal and ask questions you have been saving all year. A bit of preparation helps you and your veterinarian make the most of the time.
Many veterinarians recommend more frequent visits for senior pets or animals with chronic conditions. Ask yours what schedule makes sense for your pet.
Before the Appointment
Spend a few minutes jotting down notes. Your vet only sees a snapshot, while you see your pet every day. Helpful things to write down include:
- The brand and amount of food your pet eats, plus treats and table scraps
- Any supplements or medications, with doses
- Changes in appetite, thirst, energy, weight or bathroom habits
- New behaviors, such as hiding, restlessness at night or reluctance to jump
- Questions about flea, tick and heartworm prevention, vaccines or diet
If your pet has an odd episode, such as a cough or a limp that comes and goes, a short phone video can be extremely helpful. Symptoms often vanish the moment you walk into the clinic.
What Usually Happens During the Exam
A typical wellness exam includes a nose-to-tail physical. Your veterinarian may check weight and body condition, listen to the heart and lungs, look at the eyes, ears, mouth and teeth, feel the abdomen and lymph nodes, examine the skin and coat, and assess joints and mobility.
Depending on age, lifestyle and health history, your vet may recommend screening tests such as bloodwork, a urine sample, a fecal test or a heartworm test. Ask what each test looks for and why it is recommended. Understanding the reason makes it easier to decide.
Questions Worth Asking
Do not hesitate to ask about anything. Some useful starting points:
- Is my pet at a healthy weight, and how can I tell at home?
- Which vaccines does my pet need this year, given our lifestyle?
- Is there anything in my pet’s breed or age group I should watch for?
- Are the teeth in good shape, or should we plan a cleaning?
- When should we schedule the next visit?
After the Visit
Before you leave, make sure you understand any new instructions, medications or follow-up appointments. Ask for written notes or a summary if one is available. Request copies of lab results for your own records, so you have them if you ever need an emergency hospital or a second opinion.
Finally, set a reminder for the next visit and any medication refills. A wellness exam is most valuable as part of an ongoing relationship, where your veterinarian can compare this year’s findings with last year’s and spot slow changes that might otherwise slip by.
